textual criticism

noun

1. lower criticism.

textual criticism

noun

1. the scholarly study of manuscripts, esp of the Bible, in an effort to establish the original text
2. literary criticism emphasizing a close analysis of the text

Derived Forms

• textual critic, noun

Other Words From

• textual critic noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of textual criticism¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The textual criticism of the Germans had, meanwhile, greatly advanced the interpretation of the poem.

From Project Gutenberg

Explanatory and critical comment is given in the footnotes, and textual criticism in the Notes at the end of the volume.

From Project Gutenberg

The first serious blow to this view came from the study of textual criticism.

From Project Gutenberg

The doctrines of Christianity, and in many communities Influence of textual criticism.

From Project Gutenberg

The critical investigation of authorship, like textual criticism, is preparatory, and its results negative.

From Project Gutenberg